About My Books

Hi, Lyn Thanks for having me as your guest today.

I’m excited to announce my latest historical western title, SNARE HIS HEART, is now available on Amazon at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B073ZN4CCG for only $1.99. This is number 5 in my Loving A Rancher Series for Debra Holland’s Montana Skies Series for Kindle World. Whew! That sounds a lot more complicated than it is.

Caroline, before we talk more about your beautiful new book, please tell us a little about your family and growing up.

My parents lived in North Central Texas when I was born but moved to Oildale, California when I was a baby. (Imagine my surprise when I learned one of my recent signed-paperback winners also lived in Oildale near the same time and had attended the same elementary school.) Just before I was eight, we moved back to Texas, but to West Texas and I grew up in Lubbock. That’s where I met my Hero. Now we live in North Central Texas with our menagerie of rescued pets. Our two lovely daughters are grown but, fortunately for us, live nearby.

When did you start writing?

I’m not certain, but I remember writing and illustrating stories as a child. My father taught me to read and write early. I joke that he taught me to read because he tired of reading the comic page to me each evening (I was crazy about Bugs Bunny) but actually Daddy placed a high value on education. I took journalism in school and for many years, I wrote newspaper stories. My mother-in-law loved reading romances and told me I should write one judging from the long letters I wrote. I did and in 1998 Kensington published my first romance book.

Are you traditionally or self-published?

I am very happily self-published. Not only do I make more money than I ever did with a traditional publisher, I get to write what I wish, when I wish. This freedom is wonderful and being self-employed at home is—as the ad says—priceless. I have only a few steps’ commute to work each day and there’s no dress code. I do write each day, some days more than others.

What do you hope your writing brings to readers?

Even though the story lines are fiction, they show characters overcoming obstacles. I hope readers go away from my books having been uplifted and entertained and having forgotten for a while any problems or stressors they may have.

Do you have a favorite quote?

“Be the change you want to see in the world.” By M. Ghandi

What are your plans for the future?

To keep writing, of course. Next month I will publish the conclusion to my Bride Brigade series, PRUDENCE. After that, I have a long schedule of books planned. If I live to be two hundred, I might get them all written. ☺

I admire your talent and prolific writing! Now tell us about your new release.

Glad too! SNARE HIS HEART is set in 1887 in and near Sweetwater Springs, Montana Territory. Those of you who read Debra Holland’s books will recognize many of her characters in this story. My book’s main characters are Forrest Clanahan and Addie Ryan, with Forrest’s stepbrother Ethan Campbell playing a large role.

Here’s the summary:

How can Adeline “Addie” Ryan deal with pity and sly remarks after her fiancé leaves her at the altar and elopes with her bridesmaid? Usually optimistic, Addie suspects this event will taint her socially as long as she remains in Atlanta. At her sister’s suggestion, she visits a matrimonial consultant. One man’s letter touches her heart, but can she travel to Montana Territory and marry a stranger?

Forrest Clanahan carries scars on half of his upper body that he received when he tried but failed to rescue his late wife from their burning home. Her death left a hole in his heart that won’t allow him to love again—but his children need a woman’s guidance and he needs a wife. He offers kindness and consideration—but not love. Never love.

Addie and Forrest unite against threats but can they develop a loving relationship?

Yes, this is another mail-order bride story. I love reading and writing about women who believe becoming a mail-order bride is the best or only opportunity left for them. Would I want to have been one? No! But, who knows what we’d do if faced with difficult choices?

The Civil War decimated the male population. Later, when many eligible men moved west, a surplus of marriage-age women were left behind. At that time in history, there were few options left for a gently-bred woman who didn’t marry. She could become a companion for an elderly relative, become a governess if she was educated enough, or teach school (which required she remain single). Doing anything else lowered her social standing—if she had any.

I’ve read true stories of women who ventured across the country to marry a stranger they knew only by mail. Brides in some of these situations had tragic tales while others were happy—or at least contented. If you’re interested, Chris Enss published HEARTS WEST about several of these real-life mail-order brides.

I hope you’ll read and enjoy SNARE HIS HEART and that you’ll love Addie and Forrest as much as I do. If you do, please leave a review!

Excerpt:

“Shall we go?” Then, maneuvering so he kept his good side to her, he guided her down the aisle.

The children and men followed.

Before they left the sanctuary, Mrs. Norton indicated a large basket on the back pew. “I always prepare our brides a basket of food. A woman shouldn’t have to cook on her wedding day.”

Her groom accepted the container, which appeared heavy. “Appreciate your kindness.”

Addie gave the minister’s wife a brief hug. “Thank you for everything, Mrs. Norton.”

The kindly woman smiled.

Reverend Norton stood beside his wife. “We hope to see you folks again soon.”

Addie hurried to keep pace with her new husband. She still hadn’t seen the scarred side of his face. Surely she would now and she braced herself so she wouldn’t cringe or display shock. Better to get that over with than prolong her tension.

He set the basket in the wagon bed. When he turned back to help her, she touched his unblemished jaw and turned his head so she could see his full face. He flinched and his hands fisted at his side.

He resembled a harlequin with half of his face perfect and handsome and the other half scarred, red, and horribly puckered. The combination created a ghoulish sight that would frighten anyone not prepared. Forcing herself not to outwardly react to his frightening appearance, she looked into his dark blue eyes.

“You said you wanted a wife who could look you in the face but you haven’t given me an opportunity.”

In the sanctuary, his voice had been soft and hushed. Now he spoke with a pleasant baritone, “Thank you for not screaming. I want neither pity nor rejection but only to be treated as I deserve.”

Not flinching had taken every ounce of her self-control. She ached for the pain he must have endured. Was there even a doctor in this area? How had he survived?

In addition to SNARE HIS HEART, eight other Montana Skies Series books are now released.

TANGLED BLOOM is by Dallis Adams

SAVING THE OUTLAW is by Linnea Alexis

HEARTS RHYTHM is by Linda Carroll-Bradd

THE SCOUNDREL’S INCONVENIENT BRIDE is by Crystal Green

GIFTS OF LOVE is by Kit Morgan

REDEMPTION ROSE is by Louella Nelson

WHEN THE HEART HEALS is by Judy Pennell

LEGACY is by Lynn Winchester

Caroline Clemmons is an Amazon bestselling and award winning author of historical and contemporary western romances. A frequent speaker at conferences and seminars, she has taught workshops on characterization, point of view, and layering a novel.

Caroline and her husband live in the heart of Texas cowboy country with their menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not indulging her passion for writing, Caroline enjoys family, reading, travel, antiquing, genealogy, painting, and getting together with friends. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, WattPad, Shelfari, and Pinterest.

Subscribe to her newsletter here to receive a Free novella of Happy Is Bride.

The Birth of a Story

You learn the darnedest facts while researching a book. Sometimes, what you find can throw your story completely off-kilter and send you searching for a new storyline. Other times, it can change a story from good to fantastic.

This is what happened to me with my newest book, Ride for a Bride in Wyoming, from the series Rocky Mountain Romances.

I already had the story—New York society spinster whose passion is protecting animals from cruelty meets a Wyoming rancher who raises bulls for the budding rodeo business and rides a buffalo in horse races.

And I had the characters—Annora Lee Bostwick, a member of the new American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, who moves to Sheridan, Wyoming to open a new branch; and Birch Struthers, also known as Buffalo Birch Struthers, a rancher involved in the beginnings of the rodeo. Burke has recently taken over the family ranch after his father’s death, but if he wants to hang onto the property, he must marry and soon, or lose it to a man he hates.

My problem was how to get them together. Neither wants to marry, and they seem like total opposites. That’s when I read about the Ride for a Bride race that took place in Sheridan, Wyoming as part of their first official rodeo in 1909. Harry Lewis, the groom, won the hand of Hazel Foster, and they were married that very day.

What a grand solution to my dilemma!

Of course, Annora and Birch don’t fall in love at first sight. Far from it. Annora accuses Birch of mistreating his buffalo and the bulls he uses in the ranch competition. Birch sees her as a spoiled, stuck-up New York Society spinster unfit for life on a Wyoming ranch.

Birch agrees to be the groom for the Ride for a Bride race to follow the competition because of his father’s will demanding that he marry within a year. Annora, however, is blackmailed into participating.

And, so the fun began.

I loved writing this novella, and hope readers like it as well as I do.

EXCERPT

Her hair was a light red. Not strawberry blond, nor the usual carrot red. Birch never would’ve thought of a color like red being mellow or calm, but that’s how he saw it.

She had freckles to go with the hair, and intense, green eyes with a hint of stubbornness as if she wouldn’t give an inch even if you set her skirts on fire. That glimpse of obstinacy matched the tilt of her chin and the stiff way she held herself. An uppity New York spinster no doubt hoping to snag what she’d failed to catch back home—a husband.

Great thunder! Even her voice sounded pretty, like a meadowlark at dusk.

“I’m afraid this is my fault,” Lissette said. “You see, Annora’s mother wrote, asking me to help Annora find a husband. She gave me to understand that is why Annora decided to relocate here. When I saw the notice about the race, it seemed the perfect answer.”

“Why didn’t you ask me if I considered it perfect?” Miss Bostwick pulled the cat from her shoulder. “I’ve no need for a husband. I like being a spinster.”

Birch swallowed a laugh at that.

“Oh, but, Annora, I… I only want to see you happy.” Looking stricken, Lissette glanced around at their audience. “Please, can we discuss this later?”

“Yes. Remove my name as the Ride for a Bride bride,” Miss Bostwick told him.

Lissette’s face paled. “Annora, you can’t.”

“I’d like to know why not.”

“Ladies. Ladies.” Sythes tried to get the situation under control.

Birch felt he ought to be rooting for one of the women, but didn’t know which. Miss Bostwick had a right to be angry at her cousin for putting her in such an awkward situation.

“But, Mayor,” Jenks whined, “I have a right to take my bride over to the church and get hitched. I won the race.”

Lissette’s skirts rustled as she whirled to face him. “No one expected that to happen. Birch and Hezzie always win.”

“That doesn’t change the fact that I won this time,” he retorted.

“Which means nothing to me,” Miss Bostwick said.

Birch raised his hands. “Hold on. Can I get a word in here?”

“Go ahead,” Mayor Sythes gestured him forward. “Speak up, Birch.”

“First, I had no knowledge about Miss Westbrook coming here—”

“Bostwick,” the redhead corrected, preventing the calico kitten from climbing to her shoulder again.

“—or being the designated bride for the race. In fact, I didn’t think any bride had volunteered yet.”

“I can verify when the race is to take place.” Mayor Sythes pulled a paper out of his vest pocket. “I have the competition rules and schedule with me.” Putting on his spectacles, he read, “The Ride for a Bride Race shall commence on the day following the conclusion of the ranch competition. That means the race is to be held July 30.”

“Let me see that.” Jenks snatched the paper away.

Lissette clapped her hands in delight. “This means you still have a chance to win Annora’s hand, Birch. Isn’t that marvelous?”

Charlene is multi-published, award-winning author of American historical romance noels. Originally published by Kensington Books, she is now self-published. She loves traveling, writing, reading, spoiling her grandchildren, and hearing from readers. She is also a graphics artist and has her own business creating book covers for authors at http://silversagebookcovers.com

It’s my pleasure to tell you western romance author and book cover designer,Charlene Raddon will join me here in Lyn Horner’s Corner this coming Monday, July 17th. I hope you will mark it on your calendar and stop by to greet this lovely lady.

Now, I’m thrilled to share with you the first reviews for Beguiling Delilah. First, here is Charlene’s wonderful recommendation on Facebook:

“If you’re looking for a new book, here is one I highly recommend. Leon is Navajo and is sent to France to protect and bring back Delilah Moreau. Delilah guards an ancient and precious document. Leon must get her back to his own land where other guardians like Delilah wait for them. But their path is fraught with danger.

I loved this story. The characters are real, the story exciting. I especially liked that the hero and heroine were older than usual.”

“Lyn Horner is one of those writers you can count on to deliver consistently good storytelling. Often I pick up a book and it’s a bit of a gamble–not so here, because this author always hits the mark. Great read!”

“This book kept me completely engrossed from beginning to end with intrigue, romance, and history. Great Read as are all the books in this series ” THE GUARDIANS”. Keep up the good work, Lyn. Cant wait for the next book in this series.”

“One of my favorites of the series so far! Kept me totally engrossed first in Paris then back in the USA. I just couldn’t put it down, so I read it in one sitting. Highly enjoyable and I can’t wait for the next one to be released.”

At last!Beguiling Delila (Romancing the Guardians, Book 6) will be released on July 14, Bastille Day – France’s equivalent to the US Independence Day. Why? Because most of the book is set in France. Opening in Paris, the story takes Delilah Moreau, the French Guardian, and Leon Tseda, her hero, on a life-and-death race across the country to Nice on the breathtaking Côte d’Azur, before they take flight to America.

Leon is one of my favorite characters from the series. He’s no spring chicken, and neither is Delilah, but they’re not too old for a second chance at love. Their journey is fraught with danger, excitement and steamy, mature romance.

Now, in case you missed any of the earlier books in this epic series, here is a quick overview. First, there are seven Guardians, each sworn to protect a precious scroll containing a secret prophecy handed down from ancient seers. Not to be revealed until mankind is ready to listen, the prophesies are in danger of being seized by vicious “Hellhounds” who want to use them to gain power and wealth.

Decoding Michaela features a heroine who can read minds. Michaela Peterson is stunned by news that her revered leader, the High Guardian, has been murdered. She’s attracted to Dev Medina, the handsome messenger, but fears he may be out to steal the scroll she guards. Can Dev win her trust and unlock her heart before the Hellhounds capture her?

Capturing Gabriel is set in the mountains of Colombia. When Gabriel Valdez is tracked down by a feisty Navajo beauty intent on convincing him to go to the United States with her, he instead takes her prisoner. Josie doesn’t count on falling for him. Gabriel doesn’t intend to trust her with his secrets or his love, but the heart has a mind of its own.

Touching Charlotte Introduces Charlotte Dixon, an empathic Guardian, and Tristan Jameson, an ex-NYC cop burdened by hidden pain. He needs healing and love, but how can a man romance a woman who can’t stand to be touched? Getting past Charlotte’s barriers while protecting her from Hellhounds proves the ultimate challenge.

Profiling Nathan is a chilling murder mystery/sexy romance. Guardian and ex-con Nathan Maguire just wants to make a living inking tattoos, but FBI profiler Talia Werner turns his life upside down. To save her pretty neck, he must help catch a serial killer. His deadly psychic gift may come in handy.

Lyn Horner is a multi-published, award-winning author of western historical romance and romantic suspense novels, all spiced with paranormal elements. She is a former fashion illustrator and art instructor who resides in Fort Worth, Texas – “Where the West Begins” – with her husband and a gaggle of very spoiled cats. As well as crafting passionate love stories, Lyn enjoys reading, gardening, visiting with family and friends, and cuddling her furry, four-legged children.

Beguiling Delilah, Romancing the Guardians, Book Six will be released by late June or early July. This installment of the paranormal romantic suspense series required extensive research since most of it is set in France. I’ve enjoyed learning more about Paris, where the story opens, and the breathtaking Côte d’Azur in the south of France, where Delilah and her hero flee in their rush to escape their enemies. Can’t wait to set this puppy loose!

If you like sexy romance, adventure, suspense and flashes of the supernatural as much as I do, I think you will enjoy this series. To catch up with the other Guardians and their loves, just click the covers and sample their stories on Amazon.

If you enjoy sampling the Guardians’ tales of survival and romance, I hope you will go on to read their whole epic story. Should you be inspired to leave a customer review on Amazon, I’ll be your friend for life!

I’d love for you to follow me on Facebook and Twitter, and here on my website of course. You can find all of my books on my Amazon author page.

Read all about it!

First, in honor of Saint Patrick’s Day, I have lowered the price of DARLIN’ IRISH (Texas Devlins, Book Two) to just 99c. This sale will last only a few days, so if you haven’t read this sizzling historical western romance, now is the time to get it. By the way, book one WHITE WITCH, an introductory novella, is FREE.

Headline Two

THE POSSE anthology successfully launched on Wednesday (March 15th.) It climbed all the way to #4 in westerns>short stories on Amazon, and #38 in anthologies as of last night. I’m thrilled!

This collection offers 8 gritty, high voltage short stories of the old west. The authors include a real-life cowboy, a soldier turned logger, a book cover designer and more. All are acclaimed western writers.

In my story, “The Schoolmarm’s Hero” spinster schoolmarm Mattie Schoenbrun is abducted by a pair of drunken cowboys. Her new beau, Marshal Trace Balfour leads a posse in pursuit. Will his heroic quest end in love or tragedy?